Check-in first, or all-in-one?
Gymdesk and ZipTempo both serve small gyms, martial arts schools, and boutique studios. Gymdesk is a full management platform with billing and a website. ZipTempo focuses on the door: QR check-in, members, classes, and a live dashboard at a lower monthly cost.
The short version
Gymdesk is the most direct competitor. It includes Front Desk Mode for kiosk check-in, QR and barcode scanning, class scheduling, and unlimited staff on every plan. Where it pulls ahead is payments, digital waivers, and a responsive gym website. ZipTempo now matches it on member self-booking, with a member app on your own address, and wins when you bill elsewhere (or in cash) and prefer a flat $15–30/mo with unlimited members instead of $75–200/mo tied to your active count.
ZipTempo vs Gymdesk at a glance
| Feature | ZipTempo | Gymdesk |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $15/mo Individual, $30/mo Gym (unlimited members) | $75/mo (up to 50 members), $100/mo (51–100), scales up |
| Pricing model | Flat monthly by plan; unlimited members | By active member count |
| QR check-in | Camera scan; printed codes or Apple/Google Wallet | QR/barcode via tablet, phone, or USB scanner |
| Kiosk / front desk mode | PIN-protected kiosk mode in any browser | Front Desk Mode for self-service check-in |
| Member management | Profiles, photos, status, plans and passes with payment tracking, visit history | Profiles, attendance history, CRM for prospects |
| Class scheduling | Staff or member self-booking, waitlists, attendance via check-in scan | Scheduling plus member online booking |
| Staff accounts & roles | 1 account (Individual) or unlimited with roles (Gym) | Unlimited staff on every plan |
| Wallet passes | Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes | Mobile barcode; no native wallet pass |
| Payment processing | Not included (track per-visit amounts optionally) | Built-in billing and payment processing |
| Member app & self-booking | Member app with self-booking, waitlists, and a wallet pass | Member portal with online booking and sign-up |
| Gym website | Not included | Responsive gym website included |
| Best for | Owner-operators who want the door handled without switching billing | Gyms that want one platform for payments, website, and operations |
Prices reflect published US plans as of 2026. Gymdesk counts active members toward tier pricing; frozen and cancelled members do not count.
Which should you pick?
Choose ZipTempo if…
- Check-in speed and a tidy front desk matter most, and you bill members outside the software.
- You want unlimited members at $15–30/mo instead of pricing that rises with headcount.
- Members should get a self-booking member app on a link, with no app store download.
Choose Gymdesk if…
- You need automated billing, payment collection, and digital waivers in the same tool.
- A gym website with online sign-up is on your must-have list.
- Members should buy memberships and manage billing online themselves.
Gymdesk comparison questions
Can I switch from Gymdesk to ZipTempo?
Yes. Export your member list from Gymdesk and import it into ZipTempo. Most gyms are scanning members the same afternoon they switch.
Does ZipTempo include a gym website like Gymdesk?
No. ZipTempo is front-desk software. If you need a public website with online sign-up, keep that separate or stay on Gymdesk.
Is Gymdesk cheaper for very small gyms?
Gymdesk offers a limited free tier for up to 15 members. Above that, paid plans start at $75/mo. ZipTempo is $15/mo with unlimited members and a 30-day free trial.
More comparisons
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